Why list on an online directory?

Dear Debbie,
I'm not really up on the internet stuff and wanted to know your opinion of online directories. I mean I know you like them because your creating one but how will it benefit my company? I typically get my business from word of mouth. Does an online directory really work?
Shelly
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Hi Shelly,
Great question, I actually had a conversation with an internet marketing expert today so your timing is great. I'm going to give you a "before" and "after" response. You could call it "old school" and "new school" if you want :). Keep in mind this is my experience, others may have different experiences.

Old School: Mostly word of mouth business, locally. Leads from networking. Print advertising (that was all that affordable). Repeat business from happy customers; even recipients that come to you for more of what they got.

New School: In addition to the above, you now have this amazing opportunity to do business globally. But you have to be recognized. The more your on the internet the better and online directories, blogs, search engine optimization, keyword advertising work great.

I've been in one for about a year now and literally can tell that customers are finding me and clicking on my company. The one I'm on was created by Joyce Reid and its called www.giftbasketnetwork.com. It really proved to me that online directories work. Joyce's website is really organized, clean, neat and highly effective.

Know this - it's not that people are searching for online directories - its that they are "googling" custom gift baskets San Francisco" and if you've got a lot of yourself out there in the internet world, you'll come up towards the top of the search which should, increase your business!

I could talk on this for hours but I intend to have a expert on our BlogTalkRadio show soon. I hope that helps.